Ishii throws four scoreless innings for St. Lucie

NEW YORK – Kazuhisa Ishii took another step toward returning to the Mets' rotation Friday, pitching four scoreless innings in a Florida State League rehab outing.

Starting for the St. Lucie Mets at Fort Myers, the left-handed Ishii did not allow a hit in a 49-pitch effort, striking out three and walking one. After the outing, Ishii threw an additional 21 pitches in the bullpen.

Ishii has been on the disabled list since Apr. 22, retroactive to April 19, with a strained left lat muscle.

He was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 20 to replace injured righthander Steve Trachsel (herniated disc) in the rotation and made three starts – including a seven shutout inning performance against the Houston Astros on April 13 – before hitting the disabled list.